Playroom Makeover

We have this room attached to our family room--no doors separating the two rooms, just a wall, but there are two openings in the wall, so it's just a weird space.  When Pierce was about 8 months old, we turned it from an office into a playroom for him.  We figured this way we could have a place for all of his toys and still monitor him while he plays.  Well, over a year later, toy land has exploded into a Toys R' Us and has gotten a little out of control.  It's still clean and organized, but I'd like it to look more like a "play room" that is completely organized and a space for our little ones.  My husband is a sucker, so I don't see the toy/game/cars/power wheel shopping stopping anytime soon.....so, change needs to occur.

Well, here is my first step.  I have to start somewhere, and this gives the room more of a purpose and a statement.

Yes, I realize the letter are a little crooked and all, but I'm a teacher, not an interior decorator.  Although it does drive me a little batty looking at it and realizing that it's not perfect.  But, those letters are glued to the wall and then nailed in, so don't think I will be fixing it anytime soon. =)

Next step, buying a 16 cubicle shelf that I can use to start the ultimate organization.  I know the kids could care a less, but it will make this A-type personality gal feeling much more accomplished and on top of things.

Christmas shopping has begun....

I know Thanksgiving is still 3 weeks away, but we all know that Christmas all but rears its white, ugly head and takes over the infamous turkey day.  I think Thanksgiving is starting to get a little irritated and needs to let Christmas know how it feels....

So, now that Christmas has been put into its place, let's move on to why I'm here today: Christmas shopping.....heehee

Between the husband, the two kids, family members, and friends, I have to start early, so I don't feel inundated at the last moment.  Plus, there is nothing more devastating (to me at least) when you see that perfect gift, hold off on buying it because it's too early to do so, and when you go back to get it, it's either gone or the price has gone up.  I choose to buy it when I see it instead. =)

Well, here's a gift that I think the hubby needs to buy for Pierce.  If it puts a smile on his face, then why not....

And, I found one at Buy Buy Baby! Yes, Pierce, here is your big gift for Christmas.  It will go in the backyard right next to your swing set and trampoline! 

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Halloween 2011

It's that time of the time of the year.....ghosts, goblins, and witches, oh my! This is officially Pierce's 3rd Halloween, but his first time going out trick-or-treating.  He was only one month old his first Halloween.  He was a giraffe that year and a lion last year.  He has always looked so darn cute, so why mess with what works......yep can you say "The cutest monkey EVER????" Yeah, I thought so too....

Ok, so we can't forget baby Cohen!

And, a side-by-side of Cohen (left) and baby Pierce (right) wearing the same giraffe costume.

My poor babies!



Backyard Project

We've lived in the cookie-cutter track neighborhood (albeit, we really don't like our neighborhood, but I digress...) for almost 5 years now.  We put a paver patio in, some grass, and a fountain that never worked.  We never went out back and I kept the curtains closed because I was ashamed for people to see the sorry state that our yard was in.  I almost started to feel that I would rather look at a dirt field then look at our grass that was dead in spots and the pavers that will popping up due to misinstallation.

So ashamed in fact, that I will not post pics of the before here.....

However, in comes super husband to the rescue and now our yard is turning into our own little utopia of relaxation, family and friend filled bbq's, and a place for my boys to run and play.

This is about as before as I will get for ya'!

Kidtopia!

BBQ Under Construction

Fire Pit

No Words to Describe

I used to always think that I never wanted kids.  I like having my freedom and the independence to do whatever I wanted whenever I pleased.  But, having Pierce changed all that.  Now, that Cohen has arrived, my world and heart has expanded into regions I never thought possible.

How can you NOT love this face?!?!?!

Photo Courtesy of: Chris Cho Nelson Photography

www.chrisnelsonphotography.net

Meet Baby Cohen

It's been awhile since I've posted, but being in the last stages of pregnancy kept me mostly resting and keeping my feet up.  I was scheduled to have a C-section on October 3rd; however, Cohen had his own plans.

I started having contractions that were about 30 minutes apart last Saturday night.  Around 3 in the morning, they were about 15 minutes apart.  I remember thinking that I could feel like this for a few days and jokingly told my husband that I felt like he was in the birth canal already.  Around 11, my husband contacted Labor and Delivery and they told me to drink a lot of water and rest for an hour. If they didn't subside within an hour to call back.  So, we called back, and they told me to go ahead and come on in.  We, in all honesty, thought they would send us home, but we took my bag anyways.  Imagine my surprise when I got to the hospital and they told me I was 5 cm already!  Baby was ready to make his appearance.

As I was in the OR, I had a myriad of emotions going through my head.  I didn't get to experience the birth of my son, Pierce, because I had to be knocked out.  So, I was excited, nervous, and anxious all at the same time.  When they first showed him to me, I began to cry because it was the most beautiful thing to experience.

Meet Baby Cohen!

Saturday, September 25, 2011

9 lbs. 4 ozs.

21 1/2 inches

4:41 PM

Pow...Pow....Power Wheels...Pow...Pow....Power Wheels

My in-laws had bought Pierce a Lightning McQueen power quad for Christmas this past year.  It said it was for 18 months-3 years and he was 15 months at the time.  But, we thought, "What the heck? It can't hurt to try it and see what he does."  Well, he cried and clung to my husband as if he had just seen a ghost.  So, it's been sitting in his toy room since December 25, 2010.

This past weekend we had a little shindig at our house and a few people had brought their kids.  They are older than Pierce and were having fun in the toy room.  They broke out the Lightning McQueen car, started riding it, and having fun.  Well, guess who wanted to join in on this fun?  That's right!  Pierce to the Poo.  After everyone left, my hubby brought the car back out and put Pierce on it.  Except, he wouldn't sit on it.  So, in true Stephen (my hubby) fashion, he taught him how to stand on the seat and ride it.

Yep, he hasn't quite learned that Pierce mimics and remembers everything he does and/or teaches him.

However, I am just happy that he is no longer scare of the loud noise that it makes.  But, this past week, he has decided that sitting down on it is probably the safer way to go, albeit, if not the easier way to maneuver it.

How can you not love this face?? =)